Londoners invited to ‘Swish’ on World AIDS Day parade

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The campaign for a London AIDS memorial is a worthy one and I personally hope people take part in this or any local event to mark World AIDS day tomorrow. For those on there way too or from the SWISH tomorrow if you can make it up to Waterstones in Gower St. WC1 you will be able to see a panel from the UK World AIDS Quilt.

The cause and the memorial without question is worthy and support by anyone is commendable!

But SWISH? I am sorry but the issue is about AIDS Memorial.

Celebrating the lives of those who live or we have lost to AIDS should be done in a dignified respectful way.

To promote the event with such a camp and tasteless way can only detract from the goal of overcoming the goals of the original Stonewall riots and the fight against prejudice and bigotry.

People from all walks of life around the world have been affected by AIDS.

I have a sense of humor but come on seriously! why do people have to come up with belittling stereo typical concepts which only portray the gay community which fights hard for equality and acceptance, yet mocks itself
providing fuel for derision and pejorative ridicule.

I understand your point but our Rainbow community is so much more then AIDS and we should show of. There is massive variety in straight “main stream”-emos, goth, punk, rock chick, tracksuits, suits, preppy, high street conceptual, hip hop, trash… should we ask them to wear uniforms when out and about? Even China moved on. Fit in by sticking out and play safe. Respect and love to all.

@ Steve R
Drawing attention to a good cause can never be a bad thing, just lighten up and get over yourself mate. It is your perception that the event will be “camp and tasteless” but what are you going to be doing to draw attention to this very good cause apart from complain?

Well said Steve. As soon as I read the story I had the same reaction. Playing with a camp stereotype to commemorate those (straight and gay) who were and are victims of a terrible disease is just embarrassing.

The London AIDS Memorial Campaign, and raising HIV awareness, are how they should be promoted no more no less.
SWISH has no correlation in context or connotation which would associate it with AIDS Memorial or HIV awareness. To many who may attend or have wished to attend the very notion of SWISH and it’s adjective which I recommend you google! is the very reason why this would be viewed as offensive even an insult. and no less an embarrassment to the memory they would wish associated or attached to their loved ones living with AIDS or those who have died to be in memorial.

I totally agree.
I would also point out that not all those that have died from AIDS were gay; so I find it slightly arrogant that this group have chosen to take on the mantle, and then in stereotypical gay faggy style make us all like a bunch of mincing queens.

I would have thought a little candlelight vigil would have been wholly more appropriate.

Tonight over 200 people turned up in pouring rain to celebrate the lives of those who died of AIDS, including many young people, in order to freshen up the numbness around the HIV issue. If someone wishes to attend a silent vigil then attend one or create one, don’t winge from your armchair and do nothing. Get off your arse and do something. London is diverse, why not AIDS vigils? Many of those we lost were ardent clubbers who loved a party, which we certainly had on the street and at a club after. What’s not to like? The London AIDS Memorial Campaign educational component is to reach out to those who would never attend a traditional vigil. Diversity also means choices.

Well, for starters I must have lost at least a dozen friends to HIV/AIDS, and some of those were clubbers. I’m not saying it has to be some morbid or morose gathering, but I do think mincing down Old Compton street to Gloria Gaynor is rather too much the other way, and yet again gives those against us ammunition by continually reinforcing gay stereotypes.

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